Information Literacy

Definition

Information literacy is an understanding and a set of abilities enabling individuals to recognise when information is needed and have the capacity to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.”  An information literate person is able to:

• recognise a need for information
• determine the extent of information needed
• access the needed information efficiently
• evaluate the information and its sources
• incorporate selected information into their knowledge base
• use information effectively to accomplish a purpose
• understand economic, legal, social and cultural issues in the use of information
• access and use information ethically and legally
• classify, store, manipulate and redraft information collected or generated
• recognise information literacy as a prerequisite for lifelong learning

 

Aim of the Information Specialist Teacher

Assist students to seek, critically evaluate, synthesise and present information in a variety of ways. Incorporate the essential knowledge and skills of the Australian Curriculum into teaching and learning programs. Help students use a range of resources and technologies, and provide opportunities for students to work in groups, individually or whole class. Collaboratively plan and teach units of work with subject and classroom teachers to develop information literacy. Be inclusive of the diverse needs of learners and instruct students in information tools and services available to them. Provide a friendly learning environment in which students feel confident that their information needs will be addressed. Provide access to local knowledge networks and assist students in the use of the Internet and Intranet. Coordinate displays, special events and activities to support student learning, and ensure that the library resource centre is multi-functional and a focal point for student learning. Advocate the need for students to be information literate and safe digital citizens. Develop students’ love of reading and the power of obtaining knowledge through a 21^st Century teaching/learning program.

Context

Information literacy skills and knowledge are essential in a global information environment characterised by constant change and innovation, a variety of formats and media and a vast amount of information of different qualities. There is increasing belief in the importance information literacy skills, both personally and professionally. In Australia, criteria for expressing standards for information literacy have been established by the Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL). Within Cooinda Primary School the links to our school plan include:- Generation Z, Visible Learning, Digital Citizenship, Visual Literacy and Connect Community.